The team announced Friday that Tim Walton has been hired to lead Jeff Fisher's defense in 2013. Walton replaces a phantom version Gregg Williams, who was hired but never coached a down after being suspended for his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty program.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to add Coach Walton to our staff," Fisher said in a statement released by the team. "Tim is a talented coach and he's spent the last four years working in our system. He will be a huge asset to our staff and we are all looking forward to working with him."

The hiring officially ends a roller-coaster search to fill the coordinator position in St. Louis. After cutting ties with Williams in January, the team appeared to have a deal in place with Rob Ryan before the two sides mutually parted ways. Walton beat out some name brands for the gig, including Mike Singletary and Dick Jauron.